Miss Fatima Dahabiya
Words from the Dahabiya Miss Fatima.
Come, let us sail together on the most beautiful river in the world, the eternal Nile River. We will navigate the Nile with my open sails, evoking a pure scene of calm. Let the birdsong, and the bright sun adoring the clear Egyptian sky, lull you with her beauty, while I glide through the water. Relax and let your mind be free, contemplate the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding banks of the Nile River. Enjoy her Islands, fauna, date and fruit trees. Watch for animals such as donkeys, cows, water buffalo, horses and camels as I peacefully glide along God’s paradise on earth. Learn about the rich history, and culture while enjoying my comfortable furnishings. Feast on local dishes, after stopping at ancient monuments. Just come, yes, ease your mind, Egypt and the Nile River, this is what your soul is yearning for.
- We will pick you up from the Luxor Airport or local accommodation, and bring you to the Dahabiya by 9am, and set sail at 9:30am. Make your way up to the sun deck, and wave good bye to Luxor. Relax in one of the seating areas, taking in the sights and sounds as we sail up the Nile towards Esna. Enjoy lunch on the sun deck, make sure your on deck in the late afternoon as we sail through the Esna lock. Once docked, enjoy a short walk to Esna Temple, dedicated to the God Khnum. Marvel at the beautiful coloured columns while you enjoy hearing stories about it’s history.
Back on board, and heading towards El Kab, we will be docking for the night. Enjoy the sunset, after dinner, you may chose to enjoy the entertainment provided.
Enjoy a hot beverage as you watch the sun rise this morning. We leave to explore the El-KAB Nobel Tombs at 6:30am. Choose to travel either by Tuk Tuk, or by donkey through the countryside and marvel at the mud brick walls on your way. Once at the tombs enjoy the well preserved images as you learn about the unique journey to the afterlife each owner had. Back on board, breakfast will be served on the sun deck while we begin or sail to Edfu, with the sails open enjoy the scenery as you pass by. After docking in Edfu, you will travel by horse and cart to Edfu Temple, dedicated to the God Horus. This temple is the most well preserved in all of Egypt. As you marvel at its beauty, listen to stories about the fight between Horus and his uncle Set. With 9 chambers surrounding the Holy Sanctuary, it’s sure to impress. Keep a look out for Bess the God of enjoyment. After leaving the Temple, you will make a short stop to stroll through the Edfu market. There you can enjoy the colourful, and carefully stacked vegetables stands, and locals selling their wares. After returning to the boat, Lunch will be served on the sun deck. There will be a short sail to the Island of El-Fuza where you will enjoy a BBQ Dinner. Later in the evening, enjoy the art of Tahteb, Traditional stick dancing demonstrated by members of your crew. You are welcome to give it a whirll.
- After breakfast, you will explore the ancient Quarry of Gabel el-Silsila.
The sandstones quarries’ blocks were used for many of the temples you will visit. Look closely and you can still see the tool marks and inscriptions made by workers. The Speos of Horemhep Temple is also located at this site, carved out of the stone mountain. You will also see many Royal Stills from different Kings. Continuing your adventure up the Nile, after lunch you will have arrived to Kom Ombo. Kom Ombo Temple is the only one in Egypt that has dedication for two Gods. Her War (Horus the Elder) and Sobeck the crocodile. You can take your time learning about the temple and it’s wonders. You will then enjoy some time at the crocodile museum. After returning to the boat, enjoy some refreshments as the journey continues up the Nile. After dinner tonight enjoy entertainment on the sundeck.
- This will be a fun day of immersed cultural experience. After breakfast on the Dahabiya we will Drive through the city of Daraw to it’s Camel Market. This market is the oldest and largest in all of Africa, and Egypt. Most of the camels are brought up the 40 day road from Sudan, and there may also be other livestock as well. Enjoy the banter of the buyers and sellers as each tries to secure the best deal. We will also walk through the regular market enjoying the sights and sounds of locals selling their wares. Back on the boat, we will cross to the small Island of Staita. Here you will have an interactive demonstration, on how to make Sun Bread. Using the sun to rise the dough before baking in a mud oven. Sun Bread is a staple for the people of upper Egypt, with the same traditional cooking methods as ancient times. Here we will enjoy a picnic lunch, prepared by your chef from the boat, and enjoy it with some fresh baked sun bread. We will continue or journey to Aswan, after dinner tonight you can enjoy a live Egyptian band and dancing on the Sun Deck.
- Breakfast will be served at 7am, disembark by 8am. We provide transportation to Aswan Airport or accommodation in Aswan
We hope that you enjoyed your sailing experience aboard the Fatima. Learning about the rich Egyptian history and culture, it’s people and it’s unique and beautiful landscape.
- We will pick you up from the Aswan Airport or local accommodation all aboard for 8:30am, as we set sail at 9:00am. Opening the sails soon after debarking so you may enjoy the beauty and sense of peace the Nile brings. After enjoying lunch on the sun deck, you will arrive at your first stop, Staita Iocated on a small island, you will enjoy an interactive demonstration of the steps to make Sun Bread. Using the sun to rise the dough before being baked in a mud oven. Sun Bread is a staple for the people of Upper Egypt, with the same traditional cooking methods still being followed as ancient times. After a short sail, we will arrive at the Temple of Kom Ombo. This temple is the only one in Egypt that is dedicated to two Gods. Her War (Horus the Elder) and Sobek the crocodile. You can take your time learning about the Temple and it’s wonders. You will then enjoy some time in the crocodile mummification museum. After returning to the boat, enjoy some refreshments while you set sail towards Gebel el-Silsila. After dinner, the crew will demonstrate the art of Tahteb, traditional stick dancing, welcoming anyone who would like to give it a whirl.
After breakfast on the sun deck, you will tour the ancient quarry of Gabel el-Silsila. The sandstone quarries’ blocks were used for many of the temples you will visit. Look closely and you can still see the tool marks and inscriptions made by workers. The Speos of Horemhep temple is also located at this site, carved out of the stone mountain. You will also see many Royal Stills from different kings, continuing your adventure down the Nile towards the city of Edfu. After lunch on the sun deck, you will enjoy a horse and carriage ride to Edfu Temple. This temple, is one of the most well preserved in all of Egypt, and is dedicated to the God Horus. With its 9 chambers surrounding the holy sanctuary, it’s sure to impress. Keep a look out for Bess, the God of enjoyment. After leaving the temple you will make a short stop to stroll through the Edfu market. There you can enjoy the colourful, and beautifully stacked vegetable stands, and the local people selling their wares. After returning to the boat, enjoy some refreshments as you set sail towards El Kab. After dinner tonight you can enjoy an activity on the sun deck.
Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you watch the sun rise this morning. We will be leaving to explore the El-Kab Noble Tombs at 6:30am. After leaving the boat you can choose to ride a donkey or Tuk Tuk through the countryside with views of ancient mud brick walls as you venture to the tombs. Back on board, enjoy breakfast as you set sail for the Esna Lock and Dam. Once through the lock system, enjoy a leisurely lunch as you start to sail to Luxor. Use this afternoon to relax and watch the countryside go by, or, catch a well deserved nap. Tonight you will be enjoying a BBQ feast, some traditional Egyptian music, dancing the evening away. Breakfast will be served at 7am, Departure is 8am, transportation provided to Luxor Airport, or local accommodations.
We hope that you enjoy your sailing experience aboard the Fatima. Learning about the rich Egyptian history and culture, it’s people and it it’s unique and beautiful landscape.
Early pick up from your hotel, or the airport. 8am we start our day at Luxor Temple. Many of the Pharaohs were crowned at this location, also known as the southern sanctuary. Walk in the foot steps of the Pharaohs while exploring with your guide. After a short drive you will arrive at the largest temple complex in Egypt, Karnak Temple. From the moment you enter the ally of Ram headed Sphinxes, you will be mesmerized by its size and beauty.
A short boat ride across the Nile you will then board the Fatima, and your adventure on the Nile begins. After waving goodbye to Luxor, enjoy lunch served on the sun deck. An afternoon of sailing, you can relax and enjoy the views from the sun deck, or take part in the afternoon activity. In the early evening, sail through the Esna lock before docking for the night. After dinner, enjoy entertainment on the sun deck
Breakfast is served on the sun deck as we make our way to the city of Edfu. Enjoy the surrounding beauty as the crew open the sails, giving you the true experience of sailing on the Nile.
Once docked in Edfu, you will travel by horse and carriage to Edfu Temple. Dedicated to the God Horus, this Temple is the most well preserved in all of Egypt. As you marvel at its beauty, listen to stories of the fight between Horus and his uncle Set. With 9 chambers surrounding the Holy Sanctuary it is sure to impress. Keep a lookout for Bess, the God of enjoyment.
After leaving the temple, you will make a short stop to stroll through the Edfu market. There you can enjoy the colorful, and carefully stacked vegetable stands, and locals selling there wears. After returning to the Dahabiya we will set sail towards our next destination.
After dinner on the sun deck, enjoy watching the art of Tahteb, traditional stick dancing demonstrated by members of your crew. After the demonstration you are welcome to give it a whorl.
Breakfast to be enjoyed on the sun deck, before exploring the ancient quarry of Gabel el- Silsila. The sandstone of many of the temples you visit originated at this quarry. Look closely and you can still see the tool marks and inscriptions made by workers. The small temple of Speos of Horemhep, carved out of the hill side is also worth exploration. As we sail away look out for the many stills of long ago kings carved into the stone.
Continuing our adventure up the Nile, with sails open, surrounded by natural beauty. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the sun deck. In the afternoon take part in an activity , or maybe the hammock is calling to you.
After dinner this evening take part in an activity , while enjoying a hot beverage and dessert.
Enjoy breakfast as we arrive for an overnight stop in Aswan. Get ready for an exciting day of adventure in Aswan. We will start at the site of the unfinished Obelisk. Here you can have glimpse of the ancient Egyptians stone-working technique. Enjoy a short drive and boat ride to the Island that houses Philae Temple. Completely surrounded by water this temple is dedicated to Isis, an by far the most enchanting temple in Upper Egypt. Your next stop will be the Aswan High Dam. Completed between 1960-1970 it is one of the worlds largest embankment dams spanning the Nile river, and creating lake Nasser.
Returning to the Dahabiya, enjoy lunch, then relax on the sundeck, or take a nap in a hammock.
In the afternoon, a boat will pick you up for a river tour through the unique Cataracts of the Nile. Enjoy views of Elphantine Island as you pass by on the way to the first stop, Seheil Island. A short uphill walk enjoying magnificent views, fabulous granite rock formations, many ancient rock inscriptions and images, as well as Famine Stella. A beautiful stone filled with hyroglyphics depicting the 7 year famine. After returning to the small boat you will continue on to The Nubian village of Nagaa Suhal Gharb. Enjoy some free time to wander the shops, purchase mementos, or just enjoy the colorful village while sipping some Egyptian Tea. Returning to the Dahabyia, enjoy a late dinner followed by a hot beverage and dessert as you remanis about your day.
After breakfast you will visit Staita Island, enjoy an interactive demonstration on Sun Bread. Using the Sun to help rise the dough before baking in a mud oven. This bread is a staple in every house in Upper Egypt, using the same traditional cooking methods as ancient times.
Returning to the boat we will sail a short distance to the Temple of Kom Ombo.
Kom Ombo Temple is the only one in all of Egypt that has dedication for two Gods. Her War (Horus the Elder) and Sobeck the crocodile. As you explore, listen to the history of the temple and its Gods, and then spend some time in the crocodile mummification museum.
Back on board enjoy lunch on the sun deck. This afternoon is all about relaxing as we start our sail back down the Nile.
After dinner this evening, enjoy an activity on the sundeck.
Enjoy coffee and tea watching the sunrise before we head out early to the El Kab Nobel Tombs. You have a choice to travel by donkey, tuk tuk, or you may chose a brisk walk through the countryside. Take in views of ancient mud brick walls as you make your way to the tombs. Once at the tombs learn about the unique journey each owner had to reach the after life. Back on board enjoy breakfast while we set sail to towards Esna.
After arriving in Esna, it is a short walk to reach the temple dedicated to the God Khnum. Marvel at its beautifully decorated columns, while you listen to stories of its history.
Leaving Esna, and sailing back through the lock, you will enjoy a leisurely lunch on deck. Followed by an afternoon of relaxation as we make our way back to Luxor.
Egyptians love a party, so for dinner this evening there will be a BBQ feast followed by a live band and dancing on the sundeck.
After breakfast on the sun deck you will be exploring Luxor’s West Bank. Starting at the Valley of The Kings, one of the most iconic archeological sites in world. Step underground to see some of its amazing Chambers and corridors. Its now time to visit the Queen, Hapcheapsut. Ruling Egypt for over 30 years, her mortuary temple is considered to be a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Returning to the boat for lunch and refreshments before visiting the Noble tombs and the Collosi of Memnon.
After dinner this evening, you will go for a walk through the market on Luxor’s Eastside. A great place top pick up any trinkets you still need. If it is a specific item You seek, speak to your guide as they can help you to find the best shop.
Breakfast is served at 7am, check out is at 8am. Transfers are available for the Airport, local hotels or Guesthouses. We hope you enjoyed you journey on the Nile aboard the Fatima.